Suicide in Hawai'i

Suicide is the single leading cause of injury death in Hawai'i. Hawai'i loses 300+ lives to suicide each year (about one life lost in the State every other day). Every year 900+ individuals are treated in Hawai'i hospitals for non-fatal suicide attempts. Nationally, over 3,400 people take their lives every year.The devastating trauma, loss and suffering are multiplied in the lives of family and friends in the wake of suicide, referred to as the 'survivors of suicide.' Only recently, knowledge and tools have become available to approach suicide as a preventable public health problem with realistic opportunities to save lives.

The Prevent Suicide West Hawai'i Task Force (PSWHTF) was created to provide education, resources, training and crisis support to members of our community and visitors who struggle with the issue of suicide for themselves or their loved ones. The Task Force meets every first Wednesday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at West Hawai'i Community Health Center on Kuakini Highway in Kona. Please join us!

Upcoming Events:safeTALK training- 4/22/15 1:00 - 4:30 pm Kona Civic Center, preregistration necessary. Call 333-8988Walk with us to show your support for Suicide Awareness and Prevention during the Kokua - Kailua street fairs the 3rd Sunday afternoon of each month. Call 333-8988 for information and the start time & location.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP......PLEASE READ OUR WEBSITE. Please refer to our 'Resource' page to access sources of suicide intervention help and a list of local events for 2014-15 sponsored by the West Hawai'i Suicide Prevention Task Force. Our Task Force MISSION is to communicate to our community that SUICIDE SHOULD NOT BE YOUR ONLY OPTION!